Lata, Asha, Big B a source of inspiration for Tendulkar

Sachin Tendulkar has been a role model for a whole generation of cricketers but when it comes to deriving inspiration for himself, the batting great says he looks up to three Bollywood icons.

Tendulkar said the passion and energy that legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan and melody queens Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhonsle put behind their performance make them really inspiring.

"I get inspired by different sources. A powerful speech may inspire me or flawless tennis in a Grand Slam final. You also get inspired seeing the passion in some of the greats. The Mangeshkar sisters (for instance) -- Lataji and Ashaji," Tendulkar said.

"Recently,I was part of an audience where Asha Bhonsle sang. At the so-called old age of 75, she was amazing! Even at this age she was enjoying herself thoroughly while singing. The energy was unbelievable.

"Then Mr Bachchan. I simply love all his movies. Especially that dialogue from 'Agneepath' where he says "Mai Vijay Dinanath Chauhan..," Tendulkar was quoted as saying in 'Sach', a book by Kolkata-based journalist Gautam Bhattacharya.

Tendulkar, along with actor Mithun Chakraborty, had unveiled the cover in Kolkata in December even though the book, brought out by Deep Prakashan to mark the cricketer's two decades in international cricket, was released on Sunday.